Rumi
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian-language poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic best known for his spiritual verse and for founding the Mevlevi Order.
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian-language poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic best known for his spiritual verse and for founding the Mevlevi Order. He is especially associated with the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi* and with themes of divine love, longing, and mystical transformation.
Life
Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh and later lived in Konya, where he spent much of his adult life. He became a major religious teacher and spiritual writer before his death in 1273.
Works
Rumi’s best-known work is the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*, a long didactic poem in Persian. He is also known for lyrical poetry associated with the *Divan of Shams Tabrizi*.
Religious and literary influence
Rumi is regarded as one of the most important Sufi writers in Persian literature. His poetry has influenced Islamic spirituality, later Persian literature, and modern global readership.
Legacy
Rumi’s name is closely linked to the Mevlevi tradition, known for whirling dervishes. His verse remains widely quoted and translated in many languages.
Key facts
- Rumi was a Persian-language poet and Sufi mystic active in the 13th century.
- He is widely known for lyric poetry and the didactic epic *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*.
- His writings have strongly influenced mystical thought and literature across the Muslim world.
- He is traditionally credited as the founder of the Mevlevi Order.
- Rumi died in Konya on 17 December 1273.
Rumi is widely read in Canada in English translation and is frequently cited in Canadian classrooms, libraries, and popular culture for his themes of spirituality, love, and self-transformation.
Frequently asked questions
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Rumi quotes
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/RumiSupports: Identity, birth and death dates and places, significance as a Sufi mystic and poet, and the *Masnavi-yi Maʿnavi*.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RumiSupports: Full name, birth and death dates, association with the Mevlevi Order, and death place.
- BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/art/rumi_1.shtmlSupports: Rumi’s status as a major Persian poet and his death in 1273.
- Academy of American Poets — https://poets.org/poet/jalal-al-din-rumiSupports: Birth date, birthplace, and the importance of the *Masnavi-ye Ma’navi*.
- World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Rumi/Supports: Overview of Rumi as a mystical poet and best-known works including the *Masnavi*.